Top 6 Lakes around Benzonia

Crystal Lake, Michigan's ninth-largest inland lake, is ideal for a wide range of water activities including boating, fishing, swimming, and tubing. Anglers can find species like rainbow trout, lake trout, and bass. You can access the lake at Beulah Beach, which offers amenities like a beach house and boat launch, or the Crystal Lake DNR Boat Launch. The Betsie Valley Trail also passes by, offering hiking and biking opportunities.

Yes, several lakes offer family-friendly beach access. Beulah, located on the edge of Crystal Lake, has a beach with a playground. Ann Lake features Lake Ann Beach (Almira Township Lakefront Park) with a swimming area, picnic tables, and grills. Big Platte Lake also has a notably shallow perimeter, making it safe for children to swim and play.

Benzonia offers excellent fishing opportunities across its lakes. Crystal Lake is known for rainbow trout, lake trout, and bass. Ann Lake is abundant with bass and pike. Big Platte Lake is a prime spot for walleye, chinook salmon, and various trout species. Lower Herring Lake is popular for walleye, rock bass, and northern pike. Additionally, Betsie Lake, a short distance from Lake Michigan, is home to over 276 species of fish, making it a popular fishing destination.

Absolutely! Kayaking and canoeing are popular activities on many lakes. Ann Lake and Lower Herring Lake are particularly recommended for a quieter paddling experience, with Lower Herring Lake being ideal for sunset tours and wildlife viewing. Big Platte Lake also offers opportunities for canoeing and kayaking, especially along the Platte River which flows through it. Round Lake is also an ideal spot for launching kayaks or canoes, offering a peaceful environment.

The lakes around Benzonia are rich in wildlife. Lower Herring Lake is a great spot for wildlife viewing, with sightings of white-tailed deer, bears, foxes, otters, turtles, loons, swans, herons, and bald eagles. Ann Lake is also a significant habitat for Loons, an endangered species in Michigan. Round Lake's southern end is a crucial wetland area for nesting birds, amphibians, and reptiles.

Yes, the area around Benzonia's lakes offers several trails. The Betsie Valley Trail, which consists of gravel paths and an asphalt bike lane, runs along the Betsie River after passing Crystal Lake, making it perfect for hiking and biking. You can find various cycling routes around the lakes, such as the 'Crystal and Platte lakes loop' or the 'Betsie Valley Trail – Beulah loop'. For more details on these routes, visit the Cycling around Benzonia guide.

Big Platte Lake is an all-sports lake that permits motorized water sports. Ann Lake also allows high-speed boats and jet skis during specific hours. In contrast, Round Lake restricts power-driven vessels for most of the year, allowing only two-horsepower motors during the off-season to maintain a peaceful environment.

Lower Herring Lake is known for its natural beauty, clear waters, and serene views, particularly its spectacular sunsets. It boasts sandy shores and is a popular spot for wildlife viewing, including white-tailed deer, bears, foxes, and various bird species like loons and bald eagles. It's an excellent choice for those seeking tranquility and ecological sights.

While 80% of Ann Lake's shoreline is privately owned, public access is available. You can access the lake at the Lake Ann State Forest Campground, a DNR boat launch, and Lake Ann Beach (Almira Township Lakefront Park), which provides a swimming area and picnic facilities.

Crystal Lake is renowned for its exceptionally clear, transparent, and cold waters. Its deep marl bottom and high-ridged vistas contribute to its pristine nature. On a sunny day, its clear turquoise hues can evoke a tropical feel, making it a truly unique destination.

The Betsie Valley Trail is a multi-use trail consisting of gravel paths and an asphalt bike lane. It runs along the Betsie River after passing Crystal Lake, offering scenic routes for cycling and hiking. You can find a beach on Crystal Lake along this trail, known as Crystal Lake Beach on Betsie Valley Trail.

Yes, Round Lake, part of the Crystal Lake watershed, is an excellent choice for nature observation. Its southern end is a significant wetland area, crucial for nesting birds, amphibians, and reptiles. Power-driven vessels are restricted for most of the year, ensuring a peaceful environment ideal for wildlife viewing and quiet paddling.